LEWISTON, MAINE – The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, hosted by the City of Lewiston and in partnership with the City of Auburn, announced today that Auburn-based car dealership Emerson Toyota has agreed to serve as Front Gate Top Sponsor, the highest level of sponsorship of this year’s festival. Last week, festival organizers named former Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer and former Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque as co-chairs of the festival’s sponsorship committee and within the first week following the announcement, the committee secured its top tier sponsor.
Sponsorship at this level includes a $20,000 donation to the festival, signage at the front gate, an estimated 1 million television and OTT impressions, extensive social media promotion, and high visibility brand placement in a variety of ways during the event. The event’s website and logo will be updated to include the phrasing “Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival presented by Emerson Toyota”.
“At Emerson Toyota, we believe in the power of community and the magic of tradition,” said Nick Elwell, General Manager of Emerson Toyota. “When we heard the Balloon festival was at risk of being cancelled, we knew we had to step in. Supporting this event means more than keeping balloons in the air; it’s about lifting the spirits of our community and creating lasting memories for everyone. We’re proud to help ensure this cherished festival will continue for its 30th year.”
“Emerson Toyota’s generous sponsorship of this year’s festival displays their significant contribution to our region’s economic and cultural future,” said former Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque. “On behalf of the sponsorship committee, I thank them and encourage other businesses to take their lead.”
The sponsorship committee has a goal to raise $180,000 in private funds to support costs of operating the festival. With the top sponsorship secured, organizers have secured $49,000 in pledges. Individuals and entities who would like to consider sponsorship can visit www.laballoonfest.org for more information.
Mark Cayer, former Mayor of Lewiston, and Jason Levesque, former Mayor of Auburn, serve as co-chairs of the festival’s sponsorship committee and lead efforts to secure sponsorships and private donations for the iconic three-day event in Lewiston-Auburn that draws over 100,000 attendees annually with an estimated $2 million economic impact.
The Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival, organized by the City of Lewiston and in partnership with the City of Auburn, seeks to build on the 29 incredible years of tradition that this beloved event has brought to our community. Both cities look forward to helping support local non-profits and welcoming countless visitors to the area to enjoy not only the magnificent balloons, but the parade, live music, food, fun and festivities over three beautiful days in August.
The Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival will be held on August 16-18 at Simard Payne Park in Lewiston. More information on event information, balloon rides, donations, and volunteer opportunities can be found at: www.laballoonfest.org.